Applications of Microwave Treatment of Hazardous Wastes: a) Non-Volatile Organics; b) Heavy Metals
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Applications of Microwave Treatment of Hazardous Wastes: a) Non-Volatile Organics; b) Heavy Metals
Leonard Dauerman*, Gabriele Windgasse *, uiping Gu*, Nagui Ibrahim-, El-Hamy Sedhom
Northeast Hazardous Substance Research Center (Environmental Protection Agency Research Center) New Jersey Institute of Technology Newark, NJ 07102
Abstract This laboratory is characterizing the mechanisms underlying the potential applications of microwave treatment to the remediation of hazardous waste streams under an Environmental Protection Agency Basic Research grant. Applications that ,2ay2 been investigated encompass the following processes(•-•): volatilization of organics from substrates; "chemical fixation" of non-volatile organics in substrates; "chemical fixation" of heavy metals in substrates; kinetics of decomposition of organics in the gas phase using fixed and "lossy" beds. To-date the work has been carried out on a bench-scale level. Pilot plant studies are now beginning. This paper will focus on studies carried out on non-volatile organics and heavy metals, specifically, chromium.
Introduction Characterization of the underlying chemical mechanisms is critical for the development of microwave technology for the treatment of hazardous wastes. Otherwise, the "hit or miss" approach is followed. That approach is even more prohibitive in this field than in trying to become a millionaire by winning the lottery: in both cases the odds are enormously long but the costs are hugely greater in taking a chance on a new technology. The object of research in this laboratory is to cut down on those odds by delineating the relevant mechanisms which will guide the development of new technology. That need has been recognized by the United States Environmental Protection Agency which has awarded to this research group a multiyear grant to make the needed studies.
Mat. Res. Soc. Symp. Proc. Vol. 189. @1991 Materials Research Society
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Two studies will be reported upon, namely, non-volatile organics in soil and heavy metals in soil, respectively. Details will not be presented because of the constraint However, details are placed upon the length of the paper. These are of the cited theses. in three available references 10, 13, and 14.
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Non-Volatile Organic
Contaminated Soil Studies
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Inroduction containing dioxin The decontamination of soils for which (specifically, 2,3,7,8-TCDD) is a problem are remediation solutions are urgently needed: many sites contaminated with this class of chemicals which are thought No technology is to be among the most hazardous known. available. The United States Environmental presently Protection Agency has concluded from a risk assessment study and transportation of dioxinthat the excavation risk than even poses a greater contaminated ( oil a need for an in-situ incineration (15 Thus there is by a technology. That need potentially can be filled but not incineration. microwave (or RF) technology Industrial sites designated by the environmental agencies Administrative generally agree to needing r
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